| Title |
INDIA - FESTIVAL -
DHANTERAS |
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Date-wise Events |
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Description |
Dhanteras is the first day
of the five-day Diwali Festival as celebrated in parts of north
India. The festival, is also known as "Dhantrayodashi" or
"Dhanvantari Triodasi". The word Dhan means wealth and Teras
means 13th day as per Hindu calender. It is celebrated on the
thirteenth lunar day of Krishna paksha (dark fortnight) in the
Hindu calendar month of Ashwin. On Dhanteras, the "Owl" form of
Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped to provide prosperity and well
being. The special significance of this day lies in purchases of
precious metals on this day. It is also known as the day of
Yamadeepdaan and lamps are kept burning throughout the night in
respectful adoration to Yama, the god of death. To mark the
auspicious day, houses and business premises are renovated and
decorated. Entrances of houses and business establishments are
decorated with colourful designs called Rangoli; this is done to
welcome the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. It is also
customary on this day to buy at least one or two kitchen
utensils apart from precious metals. During the course of
Lakshmi Pooja which is performed in the evening, few small Diyas
of clay are lit inorder to drive away the shadows of evil
spirits. Bhajans, i.e. devotional songs are also sung during the
pooja. In rural areas, cattle are adorned and worshiped by
farmers as they form the main source of their income. In south
India, cows are offered, as a special veneration because they
are thought of as incarnations of Goddess Lakshmi. |
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